Rabbi Shlomo Aviner answers hundreds of text message questions a week. Some appear in the parashah sheets "Ma'ayanei Ha-Yeshu'ah" and "Olam Ha-Katan." Here's a sample:Greek MythologyQ: Is there a problem in giving kids Greek Mythology to read?A: Yes, it is full of nonsense and unethical behavior, with remnants of idol worship (Shut She'eilat Shlomo 4:167. See Chinuch Be-Ahavah vol. 1, pp. 320-341).

Artificial InseminationQ: Is it permissible for a married woman to have Artificial Insemination?A: If there is no other solution, it is permissible from a non-Jew (Shut Igrot Moshe, Even Ha-Ezer 1:10).

Lashon Ha-RaQ: I spoke Lashon Ha-Ra about someone but he does not know about it. Should I ask his forgiveness?A: No. On the contrary, it will cause him pain. You should repent to Hashem. Rabbi Yisrael Salanter (see Chafetz Chaim, Hilchot Lashon Ha-Ra 4:12. Mishnah Berurah 606:3. Halichot Shlomo 1:3 #6).

Child MournerQ: I work with children affected by terror attacks. One youth, who was orphaned in a terrorist attack and is still in the period of mourning, has a cousin who is getting married. He wants to dance at the wedding. Is it permissible?A: Yes, it is part of his rehabilitation.

Separate MoneyQ: Can a married couple have different accounts and each equally pay for all expenses?A: It is permissible. It is preferable to have everything joint, but it is permissible if there is a need.

Evil EyeQ: I am succeeding in getting married, and I was told that I have the Evil Eye?A: You don't have anything of the kind (Shut Igrot Moshe, Even Ha-Ezer 3:26. And see Gam Ani Odeca of Ha-Rav Gamliel Rabinovitch 2, 48 in the name of Ha-Rav Chaim Kanievski).

Drafted into a Combat UnitQ: I want to be drafted into a combat unit, but I am afraid. What should I do?A: It is a mitzvah to be drafted into a combat unit. There is nothing to fear. Serving in a combat unit is safer than traveling in a car – four times as many people are killed in car accidents than in combat units!

Honoring a Father who does not Recite a BlessingQ: My father asked if I could bring him some food, but he does not wash "Netilat Yadayim" or recite a blessing?A: It is forbidden on account of "Do not place a stumbling block before the blind," but it is a mitzvah to give food to the poor for Tzedakah (even if they do not recite a blessing), and all the more so to your father since you have a mitzvah to honor him (Mishnah Berurah 169:11).

Upside-Down ShoeQ: Is there a problem with an upside-down shoe?A: Superstition.

Female MusicianQ: Is it permissible for a female musician to play in a band before a mixed audience?A: It is permissible on condition that the men do not stare at her.

SamplesQ: Is it permissible to try samples in the supermarket if I am certain that I will not buy them?A: No, it is "Genivat Da'at – deceptive."

Mission Statement

To Enrich the spiritual life of the English-speaking World through the Torah of Ha-Rav Shlomo Aviner, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Ateret Yerushalayim in the heart of the Old City of Jerusalem. By offering English translations of Rav Aviner’s written and oral Torah, this division of the yeshiva aims to expose English speakers to a powerful, sensitive and poetic voice unparalleled in our time. His unfailing optimism, his tolerance and love all Jews, his guidance for harmony within the Jewish family and his dedication to Eretz Yisrael, the State of Israel and Tzahal will inspire and enrich the lives of all who may now have access to his words.